There has been a warm welcome expressed for a modest increase in the number of female MLAs elected.

Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business Northern Ireland (pictured) said: "I am very encouraged to see an increase in the number of women who have been elected as an MLA.

"Ten years ago, only 13% of MLAs were women at a time when the Welsh National Assembly had 40% women and the Scottish Parliament had 37% female representation.

"This time, women make up around 18% of the newly elected Assembly, but it is clear that the parties here need to consider how they can ensure a greater gender balance amongst their candidates," she said.

"Public support for women politicians is fairly strong. Women make up more than half the membership of some political parties and are well represented within all parties, yet, with a few exceptions, this is not reflected within the power structures of the parties," she continued, noting that one success during this campaign is Anna Lo who from the last election has consistently delivered for everyone in her area regardless of gender, political persuasion or ethnicity.

"Her re-election was a reflection of this hard work and delivering on real issues for real people time and time again," said the Chief Executive.

Referring to the Lord Davies report, 'Women on Boards' which sets out a series of recommendations to increase the number of women on company boards, she continued: "He recommends that UK listed companies in the FTSE 100 should be aiming for a minimum of 25% female board member representation by 2015 and I do not see any reason why we should not aim to get reach to this number in the next Assembly elections.

"If we were to have a further 5% increase next time, instead of waiting a further ten years, we would be close to this figure and this would provide a better representation for the population.

"According to Lord Davies, over the past 25 years the number of women in full-time employment has increased by more than a third and that there is growing evidence to show that diverse boards are better boards, delivering financial out-performance and stock market growth.

"The presence of additional females in the Assembly will better reflect the electorate and make its approach more inclusive and diverse.

"I also believe that it will also benefit from fresh perspectives, new ideas and broad experience that women will bring.

"However, it is not just about what sex someone is, it is about diversity and what they can bring to the table, however we cannot address diversity without looking at gender representation," Ms Kelly concluded.

See: Few Women Filling Top NI Business Posts

(BMcC/GK)